Harrisons Nursery Garden , Kensington

Henry Hewitt began a nursery and seed business in Brompton in 1775 or earlier and this was carried on by his nephews John and Samuel Harrison. Some growing took place at the nursery but the majority of stock was grown by country farmers on contract. The business was run with some success and had regular clients in all parts of England, including many titled families. It was the practice for one of the partners to travel round the country to collect payment for outstanding accounts and probably orders (for the expenses for these trips include many gratuities to gardeners). In spite of this and an apparent high turnover, however, clients were bad at paying bills and the business was sometimes in difficulties. New partners brought fresh capital from time to time. The last partner was William Bristowe who joined in 1829 with a fourth share, the firm then being described as Harrison and Bristowe. In 1833, Samuel Harrison was described as a bankrupt.